Parental rights are under attack, children are being encouraged to mutilate their bodies, women’s sports may soon be extinct, and Christian business owners are fighting for their First Amendment rights. All of this means that our upcoming midterm election, which is just days away, holds tremendous weight. 

For Christians, voting is more than an expression of personal preference, it’s a duty. We need every Christian in South Dakota to respond to this calling on November 8th to safeguard our God-given rights and fight back against the left’s radical agenda. 

God calls us to engage in the political sphere as a way of caring for the spiritual and temporal lives of our neighbors. Jesus commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:39), and one of the best ways to do so is to seek laws and elect leaders who will protect the unborn, support marriage and the family, and protect children from immoral influences. 

Some argue that politics and religion should remain separate, but they fail to recognize that politics and morality are inseparable, and the only objective standard of right and wrong is God. Every law is based on some kind of moral direction. That moral direction can either come from God, or the self, when one sadly makes out their own flawed reasoning to be the highest order. 

Dr. Grudem, who serves as Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona notes, “The Bible says that a government official is ‘God’s servant for your good’ (Rom. 13:4), but how can government officials effectively serve God if no one is allowed to tell them what they believe God expects of them? The Bible says that government officials are sent ‘to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good’ (1 Peter 2:14), but how can they do that if no spokesmen from any of the world’s religions are allowed to give them counsel on what is ‘good’ and what is ‘evil’?” A society can only thrive if its laws are based on natural law, Truth, and objective morality. Therefore, our faith must influence our political decisions. 

This year in particular, education, marijuana, abortion, and parental rights should be the main issues to pay attention to as Christians in South Dakota. Every candidate we vote for should be unwavering in their protection of parental rights, the family unit, and children’s innocence. They should also be staunchly against the legalization of marijuana, the indoctrination of children, and abortion. As Christians, we are morally obligated to vote for candidates with these views. 

Each of these issues has tremendous moral implications, meaning our votes do as well. 

There may not always be a candidate whose views align perfectly with God’s teaching, but there will likely be an option that is clearly the most ethical. We are required to prevent the evil ideas of the left from coming into fruition by voting for the most ethical candidate, even if we don’t agree with them on everything. 

Further, on November 8th, voters will decide on a ballot initiative called Measure 27, which would legalize the possession and use of marijuana for any purpose in South Dakota. Family Heritage Alliance is urging voters to vote NO, as there are numerous dangers associated with the drug that pose threats to individuals, families, and our state. Read more about why every South Dakotan should vote against this initiative here.

Government is God’s idea, not man’s, and apathy is not an option for Christians. Too much is at stake, including many of our God-given rights. The U.S. is in desperate need of strong moral guidance, and Christian involvement is our best hope. Do your research, pray for guidance, cast a vote informed by God’s teaching, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. 

Use this link to find the answers to all your voting questions before you head to the polls next week!